This collaboration is done by writing my responses to Pablo Neruda’s poem in his Book of Questions.
Is 4 the same 4 for everybody?
Are all sevens equal?
What color is the scent
of the blue weeping of violets?
Why doesn’t Thursday talk itself
into coming after Friday?
If I have died and don’t know it
of whom do I ask the time?
My answers to the poet:
The number 4 is not the same for everybody.
The digit 4 holds different meanings,
for different people.
Each person has their own unique experience,
memories,
associations,
knowledge,
culture,
ideas
and makeup of meanings for every icon.
Likewise, all sevens are not equal.
Seven big things are not the same as seven small things.
When violets weep, the scent is sadness.
What is ruled by a rule,
can not be un-ruled by a question.
If you, the poet, has died unknowingly,
ask the time from whichever Keeper of Hell, Purgatory, or Heaven,
that you encounter.
Related:
#writethebrokenfoot, write the broken foot
